The shared bicycle and scooter network in Cascais is set to change. MobiCascais has decided to "permanently close" the service due to issues with theft and vandalism of the biCas, reports the newspaper "Lisboa Para Pessoas". However, the municipal mobility company has recently launched a public tender to find a private operator interested in running a shared bicycle network in the municipality, offering a tariff for residents (who previously used these services for free).
Originally launched in 2001, the biCas network was supposed to have 84 stations by 2016, a target that was never achieved. There was a gradual disinvestment in the shared bicycle and scooter service. The network was suspended during the pandemic and resumed in 2023 with only 12 stations.
The number of docking stations at various locations was also reduced. There were shared bicycles near the train stations in Cascais, Estoril, and Carcavelos, as well as at places like Universidade Nova SBE, Mercado da Vila, Baía de Cascais, and Centro de Congressos do Estoril. The service, which was free and exclusive to residents, has now been discontinued.
"At the beginning of last year, there was an attempt to reimplement the sharing system, given the success it had before the pandemic. However, due to various factors such as vandalism and theft, we were forced to permanently close the service", explained MobiCascais.
The public tender now outlines a network that will include 1,234 conventional bicycles, 1,013 electric bicycles, and 310 electric scooters. "The solution will be in the form of a partnership and will have the support of external entities with the experience and know-how necessary for its success, with the resident benefits previously offered being maintained by the same entity", added the municipal company.
Despite the end of the biCas service, the bike rental kiosks located in Cascais, Guia, Estoril, and Carcavelos will continue to operate. This service is more focused on leisure and tourism purposes. You can rent a traditional or electric bicycle or an electric scooter for a cost ranging from 2€ to 15€, depending on the rental duration.